Authors: Jesse Kimmel-Freeman
I finally had a full
conversation with my parents- it was about my upcoming celebration
and how I wanted to invite Batty Betty. They didn't see a problem
with it. They asked my opinion about things like their business and
details to the event. I finally felt like I could talk to them. My
grandpa merely smiled when this happened and held a private chat with
Dominic. I really wanted to know what was said, but no one would clue
me in. And so the evening passed and we returned.
I spent my final
night in my room with Dominic. We talked until the sun rose. He
explained that he was trying to get other Bella Notte clubs opened in
other areas because it had helped many of the problems that arose
amongst our kind- that was what he needed to stay for. We talked
about my feelings about everything that had happened and that was
happening. Actually, if I'm correct, he listened and
I
talked. He never interrupted me or commented about the silliness of
it all- just listened. He told me that he understood-
l'ho
provato
sulla
mia
pelle
.
I knew I would miss his random Italian, and I knew most of it would
disappear when he returned and was back to “fitting in”.
I would miss him terribly. He said he would accompany us to the
airport if I wanted, but I didn't want to have to get on a plane and
watch him disappear, so I asked if he would stay- he said he would
because he didn't want to cause me pain. He understood so much, and I
knew nothing.
Grandpa came to
fetch me. Dominic took my bags down for me and handed me a small bag
with some breakfast in it. He promised he would cook for me again
someday. I waved to him as the car pulled away and he waved until he
was out of sight.
I felt a pull at my
heart. I ate to try and stay awake. Grandpa sat next to me and tried
to find the right way to fix my problem, but even he couldn't think
of anything. He merely told me that all things work themselves out,
eventually. I didn't find that too comforting.
When we got to the
plane, I asked if I could lie down in the bed because I was so tired
from staying up. Everyone said it would be fine. My dad told me that
we wouldn't have to get fuel today, but he promised to take me to New
York soon. I didn't care. I wanted to sleep and I did. I slept until
we landed back at the airport by our house.
There
is no black sports car to take me home.
I got off the plane
and found Mike waiting to take me home. Grandpa said that he would
take my bags for me.
“
How did you
know when I'd be home?” I blushed.
He
is so handsome.
“
To be quite
honest, I had a little help. Dominic called me and told me. It was
really nice of the guy.” He smiled and pulled me onto his bike.
I put the helmet on
to cover my frown.
Why
would he call? Surely he knew that I would be missing him?
I
didn't understand him.
When we got back to
my house, we sat outside on the steps. It was awkward and I still
wasn't sure how to talk to Mike.
“
So …
how is Acacia?” I asked, trying to be pleasant.
“
Oh, she's
fine. Excited about Monday,” he said, absently.
“
So, are we
still going to do stuff this break?” I wasn't sure what we were
at this point.
“
Em, you're my
girl. I told ya we'd do stuff. So, whatcha thinking?” He
smiled.
“
But what
about Acacia? I thought you weren't sure. How can I still be your
girl and you be her guy at the same time? I don't understand.”
I looked away from him.
“
Emma. Yes,
she is my betrothed, but I don't know her. She isn't you. I mean, I
thought you would understand because of the whole Dominic thing. Was
I wrong?” His brow furrowed.
“
Yes. I mean
no. I mean I've known Dom since I was a little girl. This sounds like
the first time you have met her and you are smitten with her.”
I sighed.
“
I've known
her for months actually. But that is beside the point. It doesn't
change our plans for break … what do you want to do? I was
thinking we could go to the movies a few times. I know you'll have
family over for Christmas, but maybe the day after?” He looked
at me.
Maybe it doesn't
make a difference to you, but it does to me. Why can't I just tell
him? He is being a jerk and cruel. It is so unlike him.
I wanted to cry. “Yeah, that sounds good. I was thinking we
could watch the comet too, maybe go on a hike, or explore the mine or
graveyard?” I had thought about these things a lot before I
left, so it was easy to say to him.
“
Okay. It's a
date then.” He got up and kissed my cheek. It felt warm, but I
felt cold inside. My family pulled up.
“
I've got to
get back to the house. My extended family is still here. Love ya, Em.
See ya on Monday,” he said as he walked toward his bike.
I waved and he left-
then I cried. I felt more confused than before. This wasn't the Mike
I had left behind.
Who
is he?
It made it worse that I knew Monday would be Hell.
I went inside and
ate some ice cream while the car got unpacked.
Man,
I miss gelato.
When I finished I
went upstairs and unpacked my clothes. I sat in my room the rest of
the day, holding my crystal and reading
Dracula
.
I was in my usual
dream when I heard my name.
Emma
…
I awoke with a start
and it was still dark outside. I thought it must be the middle of the
night- the clock told me it was six thirty in the morning.
Best
get up, so I'm not late.
I knew I'd have
catching up to do this week because of my extended holiday. I heard
the loud crack and understood why it was so dark; a lightning storm.
Great
sign for the day.
I dressed in black
clothes, pulled my hair into a messy bun, and didn't bother to put on
any makeup.
I found the kitchen
empty and it made me think of Dominic cooking for me.
Maybe
I should check my email
.
Trying to be slick, I had left my email address in his library. I
grabbed a bowl of a sugary cereal and went back up to my room. It
took a minute for the dang thing to fire up, so I stared at it as I
chewed my breakfast very deliberately.
I logged on as soon
as everything had loaded. His email address stood out like a beacon
of light on that dark day. I also noticed there wasn't any from Mike.
Mia Bella
,
Emma.
Today I start
negotiations with a few of the common cities for us- Paris, London,
Berlin, Dublin, Moscow, Madrid, and Bern. I can only hope that all
goes as planned. If so then it should only take two more days to go
over the building plans. Abner sends his best to you. The house felt
strange to be so empty now perhaps it is just empty without you. I
hope you are not angry with me for calling Michael. I knew the trip
would be hard on you and I wanted you to have a familiar face there
to collect you. I do miss you though. I even miss your dull town.
Well, it is time for
me to sleep, but I knew you'd get this today. I will write after the
meeting tomorrow. Have a pleasant day. If you get angry- remember our
kiss.
With love,
Dom
.
I blushed as I read
the last lines. I decided to write him back.
Dear Dom,
I'm not upset with
you. I did appreciate Mike being there, he seemed different to me.
His voice and manner of speech were different. Ah! There is a
lightning storm going on this morning. It's very pretty. I'm sorry
you're missing it. Perhaps there will be another when you get back. I
hope all goes well with your meeting. I really loved Bella Notte. I
don't want to go to school- I don't want to see Acacia and Mike and
know that she is the reason for his change. I know I sound silly,
ignore me. Let me know how everything goes.
Em.
I went to school
after that. I didn't want to put it off any longer. I needed to face
this storm head on and even the weather was egging me on. I realized
today would be a full day- without me being a baby as well.
I got to school late
and felt silly for taking the time to check my mail.
When I got to class
Mike was there, and sitting in my chair was a beautiful creature. I
sighed.
That
must be her. She's beautiful.
Her skin held an olive complexion, her hair was like a river of
flowing chestnut with glowing strands of beads, and her eyes were a
mouthwatering chocolate brown. She fit well next to Mike with his
coloring.
A
perfect match.
I was instantly jealous- her frame was well formed and her features
were imp-like.
Why
is she in my chair?
I trudged to sit in
the last available seat- dead center in the front. I caught Mike's
eye and he smiled apologetically. She looked at me with disdain and
her gorgeous face was smug.
Surely
it wasn't done intentionally?
That was how the day
passed- me feeling left out and Acacia looking like she was winning
some game I wasn't aware we were playing. I felt completely defeated
by lunch time. Mike hadn't said much to me, she occupied most of his
time with endless chatter. I even found out that she was in every
class with him.
What
kind of girl takes shop?
She was cordial to
me when Mike was looking, but the rest of the time she was evil. I
couldn't understand what I had done to make her dislike me- I could
only guess that it was because I was the competition- even if it
didn't seem like there could be any winner but her.
Why
doesn't Dom act like that toward Mike?
At lunch we sat at a
table in the cafeteria. I was thankful that he didn't take her to our
deli. There were lots of stares, I felt like I was stuck in some
freak show. It wasn't until Kelly came over that I knew it was really
an alternate dimension.
“
Hey, Emma.
How are you doing?” She eyed Acacia suspiciously.
“
I've been
better,” I admitted quietly.
“
I believe it.
How was Italy?” She smiled encouragingly, all the while casting
the evil eye at my companions.
“
Kelly, why
are you here?” I couldn't resist the question circling in my
head.
Why
is Kelly talking to me?
“
I assume you
don't mean in a philosophical sense? To be honest, you looked like
you needed a friend. Perhaps someone to help you get your Mike back-
unless you've found greener pastures?” She raised a singular
blonde brow and smirked.
She
means Dom. Ugh. Should I accept the help?
I felt desperate.
“
How can you
help, Kelly? Mike doesn't really like you. Hell, I was sure you
didn't like me! And I know Acacia doesn't know you,” I
grumbled.
This
is low.
“
I never
disliked you- I thought
he
told you. You're different, Emma. I can't explain you. I want to
help. No catch. Just as a friend. And I promise Acacia wants to know
me. Call it a perk if she does. I'm the most popular girl and she
wants to alienate you- she'll need me.” She winked at me as I
stared at her with my mouth open.
“
You're a
genius. So what's the plan, Stan?”
Perhaps
I had been wrong about her.
“
Trust me and
go along with what I do. I'm sorry in advance,” she whispered.
“
For what...”
I didn't finish before I found out.